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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is advocating for a delay in implementing the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aimed at preventing the sale of products linked to deforestation. Speaking at a conference in Berlin, Scholz revealed that he has discussed the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reports POLITICO.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , set to come into force on 30 December 2024, has faced criticism from various sectors, including agriculture and forestry. European businesses and huge trade partners, such as the US,  Brazil and Indonesia, argue the rules will impose burdensome requirements and create trade barriers, potentially disrupting global markets. Scholz is the first head of an European government to call for postponement, joining  EPP´s Peter Liese, 20 EU Agricultural Ministers and several industry groups in urging the European Commission to address concerns over the law’s practicality and impact on global trade.

In July CLECAT submitted a joint industry letter to the European Commission with a request for postponement warning that unclear procedural rules, delays in the publication of secondary legislation, IT system specifications and insufficient guidance could bring European supply chains to a standstill. CLECAT also highlighted the unforeseen consequences of EUDR for logistics service providers who, together with Member State Customs Authorities, are at the forefront of on-the-ground implementation. Currently, there are over 300 pieces of legislation being enforced by Customs, and without clear and harmonised practical guidelines provided in a timely manner, execution becomes increasingly difficult for all stakeholders.